Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is when a blood clot, normally in the legs, forms within one of the deep veins. This can be a severe medical problem if the clot reaches the lungs, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE). DVT can happen because of prolonged immobility, surgery, injury, or specific health conditions that elevate the risk of clot formation.

Causes and Risk Factors for DVT

DVT is frequently caused by anything that prevents normal blood flow, making blood clots easier. Common risk factors include:

Prolonged immobility	Long-term sitting, such as during long flights or car rides, can elevate the risk of DVT.
Surgery or injury	Clot formation can be caused by surgical procedures, especially those related to the lower body, or a vein injury.
Obesity	Being overweight or obese puts extra strain on veins, which can lead to clot formation.
Age	Older adults are at a more elevated risk for DVT.
Medications	Some medications, including hormonal treatments such as birth control, may elevate the clotting risks.

Symptoms of DVT

The symptoms of DVT may not be apparent all the time, but they can include:

Swelling in one leg, it usually happens in the calf or thigh.
Leg pain, particularly when standing or walking.
The affected leg has red or darkened skin.
The affected area's skin may feel warmer than the surrounding skin.

Diagnosing DVT

DVT is diagnosed through a patient’s medical history review, physical examination, and diagnostic tests altogether.

Ultrasound	Detecting blood clots in the veins is the most common way to diagnose DVT.
D-dimer blood test	The presence of unusual clotting can be detected via high levels of D-dimer in the blood.
CT or MRI scans	These imaging tests may be conducted to assess the location of the clot in certain cases.
Venography	A less common test that involves injecting a contrast dye into a vein, and using X-rays to detect clots.

Treatment Options for DVT

The purpose of DVT treatment is to stop the clot from growing, breaking free, or reaching the lungs. Your doctor may recommend one or more of the following treatments to you depending on its seriousness:

Anticoagulants (blood thinners): These medications, like heparin or warfarin, help stop the formation of new clots and the growth of existing clots.
Surgical intervention: Surgical procedures may be needed for clot removal in certain cases, particularly if it is big and leads to significant health issues.

Preventing DVT

There are a few strategies to prevent DVT to help decrease the risk of clot formation.

Staying active	Frequent exercise enhances blood circulation and lowers the risk of DVT.
Preventing extended periods of immobility	You should stand and move around for a bit if you need to sit for long periods, such as travelling via plane.
Wearing compression stockings	These can help individuals at risk to prevent swelling and enhance blood flow.
Medications for high-risk individuals	Your doctor may prescribe you medications if you are at an elevated risk for DVT, to help prevent blood clots.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about DVT

1. Why does DVT mainly happen in the legs?

Factors like slower blood flow, gravity's effect on circulation, and decreased movement cause the deep veins in the legs to be more prone to clotting, which can lead to blood pooling.

2. Can DVT occur without symptoms?

Yes, DVT can occur without obvious symptoms, which is why if you have risk factors, it is important to consult a vascular surgeon for appropriate screening.

3. What are the differences between DVT and superficial thrombophlebitis?

DVT happens in deep veins and can lead to severe complications, whereas superficial thrombophlebitis impacts veins nearer to the skin and is less dangerous overall.

Schedule an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can cause severe health complications if left untreated, such as pulmonary embolism. If you or a loved one experience symptoms such as swelling, pain, or redness in the leg, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

If you have concerns about DVT or are at higher risk, contact us to schedule an appointment with our expert vascular surgeons at Gleneagles Hospitals. The team can provide professional advice, diagnosis, and treatment options for managing DVT. You may also book an appointment by downloading the MyHealth360 application from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.

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